Departing CDC Director Says The Agency Plans To Work With Media To “Prebunk” “Misinformation”

As the CDC’s Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, concludes her controversial tenure, her revelations about the agency’s decision to work hand in glove with the media to shape public opinion raise alarming questions about government overreach and the erosion of free speech. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Dr. Walensky did not mince words about her agency’s attempts to shape the narrative concerning public health information through a process she terms “prebunking.” This involved pre-emptive communication with media outlets to nudge them in a particular direction regarding health reports, ostensibly to curb misinformation. But herein lies the crux of the issue – who decides what constitutes misinformation? A closer look at the CDC’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic under Dr. Walensky’s stewardship reveals a troubling history of mixed messaging and reports that seemed influenced by political machinations. The disturbing realization that the CDC’s agenda was muddled by politics understandably eroded public trust. Dr. Walensky herself admitted to the agency’s communication gaffes. However, the revelation that the CDC sought to shape the narrative by working with media outlets has been seen as deeply troubling from a free speech perspective. Free speech is one of the cornerstones of a free society. Yet, the notion of a government agency engaging in “prebunking” is eerily reminiscent of information policing. This collusion with media outlets further blurs the line between independent journalism and government propaganda. The stark political partisanship that enveloped Walensky’s term was highlighted by a KFF study that revealed political affiliation as…Departing CDC Director Says The Agency Plans To Work With Media To “Prebunk” “Misinformation”